America's Golden West & Las Vegas 2026-27
Newmarket Holidays is offering up to 15% off all tours until Friday, 13 March.
14days from
£2,640*per person
Overview
Enjoy a classic introduction to the USA, taking in California, Las Vegas and the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon.
Combine the movie-land glamour of LA and Hollywood, the show-time sparkle of Las Vegas, the charm and personality of San Francisco, and the lovely 'City by the Bay' with the awesome spectacles of the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park. Take a scenic journey along California's wild and beautiful Pacific coast to explore sun-kissed towns and cities, including laid-back south Californian San Diego, and enjoy an irresistible holiday full of unforgettable, must-see highlights – especially for those visiting the West Coast for the first time.
Please note: Departure dates in 2028 follow a different itinerary.
Combine the movie-land glamour of LA and Hollywood, the show-time sparkle of Las Vegas, the charm and personality of San Francisco, and the lovely 'City by the Bay' with the awesome spectacles of the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park. Take a scenic journey along California's wild and beautiful Pacific coast to explore sun-kissed towns and cities, including laid-back south Californian San Diego, and enjoy an irresistible holiday full of unforgettable, must-see highlights – especially for those visiting the West Coast for the first time.
Please note: Departure dates in 2028 follow a different itinerary.
Itinerary
- Fly to the USA - Fly to Los Angeles, and transfer to your hotel for the next two nights in Buena Park.
- Santa Monica and Hollywood - Heading north today for a visit palm-fringed Santa Monica with its famous pier which marks the end of Route 66. It's a trendy city with plenty of art-deco heritage and a wealth of trendy boutiques to explore. We'll then continue to Hollywood where we'll enjoy a brief tour of the star-studded streets. Be sure to see Mann's Chinese Theatre and chart the history of the city's film industry along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Don't forget to take a picture of the infamous Hollywood sign!
- Included San Diego tour and Palm Springs - Discover the laid-back, sun-kissed, Southern California city of San Diego on today's full-day excursion. Highlights include the historic Santa Fe Railroad Depot and the Gaslamp District. Across the Bay Bridge, Coronado Island is home to the Hotel del Coronado, where Edward VIII first met Mrs Simpson and Marilyn Monroe filmed 'Some Like it Hot'. Continue on to the millionaires’ playground of Palm Springs for the night, once home of the late Bob Hope and still a haunt of a host of Hollywood stars.
- To Williams on old Route 66 - Cross the desert and travel to Williams, once a Route 66 staging post and now a small western town handy for the Grand Canyon. You'll then spend the first of two nights here.
- Included Grand Canyon day trip and optional helicopter ride - One of the tour's most unforgettable days awaits today, as you travel into the desert to the edge of the Grand Canyon, perhaps nature’s most startling wonder. We'll stop on the South Rim to take in the astonishing views across this immense chasm, formed over millennia by the Colorado River that still flows along the Canyon floor a mile below. Take an optional helicopter flight for yet more stupendous views, before returning to Flagstaff for a second night.
- Travel to Las Vegas - Today's journey takes you to Las Vegas, for a three-night stay in the World's Capital of Entertainment. Spend your first evening soaking up the electrifying atmosphere of this extraordinary, man-made, 24-hour entertainment oasis. See the spectacular hotels, glittering casinos and sparkling show lounges – home to some of the biggest names in show business.
- Optional night time helicopter ride - A free day to explore all that's big and bold in Las Vegas! Enjoy a walk - with a drink or two on the way - through some of the mega-resorts on the famous Strip or maybe try your luck in one of the many casinos. Later, perhaps relax by the pool, arrange to be pampered in a spa, or simply shop till you drop. This evening, don’t miss an incredible opportunity to see Vegas by night on our optional Vegas Nights helicopter flight over the Strip. Meet your experienced pilot, who will give you a short briefing as you board your luxury Airbus helicopter, and take off on an unforgettable Vegas experience. After take-off, you'll enjoy unparalleled views of the Las Vegas Strip from a different perspective - the skies. Soar high above the world-famous neon landscapes including Bellagio, Allegiant Stadium, Caesars Palace, High Roller, Wynn Las Vegas, The STRAT, Circa, historic downtown and more. You'll be in flight for around 10-12 minutes, giving you ample time to take in each iconic part of the city skyline from the comfort of your leather theatre-style seated helicopter.
- Free time in Las Vegas and optional The Rat Pack is Back show - Today you're totally free to explore. There’s simply so much to see and do in this amazing place! Enjoy more of the gaming rooms, vast shopping malls, diverse entertainments and endless dining opportunities of the famously of the Strip and Downtown. Tonight, enjoy an optional dinner and entertainment from the stars of the nostalgic The Rat Pack is Back show.
- Across the Mojave Desert to Visalia - Leaving Las Vegas head across the vast, dry wilderness of the Mojave Desert, entering the California Central valley for an overnight stay in Visalia.
- Yosemite National Park - Today head north to Yosemite, 12,000 square miles of wilderness. There are some big, well noted sights to take in, including the rearing head of the granite Half Dome, imposing El Capitan and the majestic Yosemite Falls. Spend some free time on the Valley Floor before heading on to Merced for an overnight stay.
- Travel to the Californian coast - Head for the Californian coast, today, visiting exquisite Carmel-by-the-Sea and the fishing town of Monterey, both linked by stunning 17-Mile Drive on the shore of the Pacific Ocean. Continue to delightful San Francisco, the city by the Bay, for a two night stay.
- Optional San Francisco city tour - Take this morning's optional guided tour of the city's major landmarks, and see Union Square and stylish Nob Hill, before crossing the famously photogenic Golden Gate Bridge to beautiful Bayside artists' town of Sausalito. Take the Bay Ferry back to the city, and enjoy wonderful views of the infamous prison island, Alcatraz, en route. This evening, why not head for colourful Chinatown, or to the bustle of Fisherman’s Wharf shops, bars and restaurants?
- Free time in San Francisco - This morning, you're free to explore. Perhaps head to Golden Gate Park, or the Hippy heartland of Haight Ashbury. Alternatively, take the "little cable car" down to the bustle of Union Square or enjoy some retail therapy in nearby Market Street. At lunchtime, continue to the airport for your overnight flight home.
- Land in the UK - Arrive back in the UK, this morning, at the end of a wonderful Californian holiday.
What's Included
Holiday Highlights
- A full-day visit to the Grand Canyon, one of the most breath-taking sights on Earth
- See the sights of San Francisco
- Call at Steinbeck’s Monterey and exquisite Carmel-by-the-Sea
- A full day touring through stunning Yosemite National Park
- A full-day visit to sun-kissed San Diego en route to Palm Springs
- Two nights in glittering Los Angeles
- Visit Hollywood – the movie capital of the world and stylish Santa Monica
- Three nights in non-stop, 24-hour Las Vegas
Our Price Includes
- 12 nights' room-only accommodation at hotels in Los Angeles (2 nights), Palm Springs (1), Williams (2), Las Vegas (3), Visalia (1), Merced (1) and San Francisco (2), plus one night on the aircraft
- Return flights to Los Angeles, returning from San Francisco
- Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout
- Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
- All local taxes, fees and charges
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Dates and Prices
Accommodation
America's Golden West & Las Vegas Touring Hotels -
Introduction
The hotels used on our tours will meet the standard of a good, three-star European hotel. Guestrooms will have private bathrooms, telephones and a TV. The vast majority will also have tea/coffee-making facilities. There will always be a bar or restaurant on site or nearby.
Doubletree by Hilton, Buena Park (nights 1-2)
Well located for sightseeing in the LA area, and close to Knott's Berry Farm theme park, this hotel has a restaurant, a bar and an outdoor swimming pool. The guestrooms are well-equipped, and have tea/coffee-making facilities.
Hyatt Palm Springs, Palm Springs (night 3)
Nestled in the expansive Coachella Valley, within easy reach of Palm Springs’ chic Downtown attractions, this stylish hotel offers a wide range of modern amenities. There is an outdoor swimming pool, backed by palm trees and sunloungers, and a 24-hour fitness suite. Dining options include a refined bistro, which serves a range of locally inspired small plates, an al fresco restaurant and a bar. Guestrooms are spacious and airy, and comprise tea/coffee-making facilities, safes, fridges and TVs as well as free high-speed Wi-Fi.
The Ellsworth Hotel, Williams (nights 4-5)
Housed in a historic, lovingly restored building, this hotel is set right on Route 66 in downtown Williams and has a number of restaurants nearby. Guests can make full use of the hotel's gym, casual lounge bar and convenience store onsite. Spacious guestrooms include minifridges, TVs, tea/coffee-making facilities and hairdryers.
Golden Nugget, Las Vegas (nights 6-8)
This Las Vegas landmark hotel has an award-winning casino, a host of restaurants and bars, a show room, a spa and a stunning outdoor swimming pool complex.
Wyndham Hotel, Visalia (night 9)
A modern hotel with a pool, bar and a restaurant. All guestrooms are well furnished for a comfortable overnight stop.
El Capitan Hotel, Merced (night 10)
Set in the heart of charming Merced, this modern hotel offers the ideal base from which to enjoy the scenic wonders of Yosemite National Park. There are four dining options, serving casual small plates, classic American fare and artisanal dishes, as well as a 24-hour fitness suite and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guestrooms are spacious and encompass TVs, blackout curtains, tea/coffee-making facilities and air-conditioning.
Clift Royal Sonesta, San Francisco (nights 11-12)
Located just a short walk from Union Square and a metro station, this chic hotel is ideal for exploring downtown San Francisco and its upscale boutiques, restaurants, nightspots and galleries. An art deco-inspired bar serves small plates and cocktails, a modern café offers breakfast and light lunches, and guests have access to a 24-hour gym and a plush lounge. Stylish guestrooms have walk-in rainfall showers, hairdryers, mini-bars, tea/coffee-making facilities, safes, TVs, and free Wi-Fi.
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in a conveniently located, alternative hotel of a similar standard.
Other Information
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour.
Passports and Visas
When travelling to the USA, British citizens require passports with an integrated chip (shown on the front by a small rectangular symbol beneath the word PASSPORT), valid beyond the return date from the USA. Visas are not normally required for entry, but visitors must apply for an ESTA online with US Immigration at least 72 hours before departure at www.cbp.gov/esta. The current charge is $40 for British Citizens.
British subjects and anyone who has a criminal record or has ever been arrested should consult the US Embassy as a visa may be required. Note too that if you have visited North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, or Cuba since 12 January 2021, or have dual nationality with any of these countries, you do require a US visa and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Tipping
Gratuities are a way of life in North America, and it is generally accepted that they form part of a person's earnings. The customary gratuity for a coach driver is about $5 per person per day, and for a Tour Manager is about $7 per person per day.
It is normal to tip 15-20 per cent of the bill for a taxi or in a restaurant, and to leave a dollar or so per drink in a bar.
On your flight
All outbound flights depart and arrive on the same day. All return flights leave in the evening and land in the UK the next day. On-board meals will usually include lunch and a snack on outward flights, and dinner and breakfast on flight home. Soft drinks are complimentary, but some airlines will charge for alcoholic drinks.
Las Vegas Hotels
It is common in Las Vegas that tea and coffee-making facilities will not be available in hotel bedrooms. There are always plenty of outlets though the get drinks.
Las Vegas swimming pools all have a lifeguard present. This means they operate strict opening and closing times outside of which the pool cannot be used. Pools also close for the winter - dates for closing and opening vary depending on the weather conditions at the time.
Local laws stipulate that there must be at least one person aged 21 or over occupying each room booked. Casino floors cannot be entered by under 21s unless they are accompanied by an adult aged over 21.
Luggage allowance
You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.
Helicopter flights
Sightseeing flights by helicopter are weight controlled and balanced. Please contact us if you wish to book a helicopter flight and your bodyweight exceeds 250lbs. (In such cases, a seat may have to be left empty, and some companies may charge a premium.)
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Changes to your hotel
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Hotel rooms
Standard hotel rooms in North America will contain one or two double- or queen-sized beds, and it is not possible to add extra beds to the room. Parties consisting of more than two travellers, but who have only booked one room, will be expected to make use of the two beds provided. If this is a concern, you may wish to consider booking more than one room for your group.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on any coach forming part of your holiday; regular stops will be made though for your comfort en route. The majority of hotels in North America are non-smoking throughout including in all bedrooms. In general smoking outside is acceptable, but do look out for signs prohibiting this close to public entrances or bus stops.
2028 departures
The itinerary shown above follows departures from London Heathrow.
Departure dates with direct flights from Edinburgh and Manchester will enjoy the same tour duration and content although in a slightly revised order.
Holiday code
N2390Holiday provided by Newmarket Holidays (for iTravel Offers)
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Newmarket Holidays (ABTOT 5509, ATOL 2325, ABTA V7812), you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.